PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 15 PREDICTIONS

Today weekend predictions are made by former Spartak Moscow forward Valeriy Reingold and sport press journalist Pavel Aleshin.


Saturn vs. Anzhi

Expert predictions: 2:0 After the break Saturn has definitely improved. The players started to run and the team acquired nice play.

Sport press predictions: 2:0 Saturn is superior over any opponent even CSKA after the summer break. And Anzhi will hardly have the same good luck in Ramenskoe as they had in the match against Terek.

Spartak Nalchik vs. Amkar

Expert predictions: 2:0 In the match against CSKA Nalchik impressed me a lot. They show active football in contrast to Amkar.

Sport press predictions: 2:0 Both teams have well-formed play with the only difference that Nalchik has it to the goal and Perm only to the box.

Zenit vs. Rubin

Expert predictions: 1:0 If Zenit wins we can finish the championship. I mean that the golden medals will have its owners. Still I prefer Saint Petersburg who play aggressively and disciplined. I do not think Rubin will be able to hold thanks to their defensive line.

Sport press predictions: 0:0 The defence of Rubin is probably the only one that Zenit will not be able to open.

Terek vs. Alaniya

Expert predictions: 1:0 Though Terek’s play is not smooth one can easily see their potentials. And it is a home game after the loss to Anzhi.

Sport press predictions: 2:1 Grozny club should outscore Alaniya after the undeserved defeat to Anzhi.

Dynamo vs. Krylya Sovetov

Expert predictions: 3:0 I predict big victory of Dynamo not because the Moscow club plays so well but because Krylya show nothing.

Sport press predictions: 2:0 The surge of emotions caused by the debut of the new head of Krylya Alexandr Tarkhanov will be annulled with the debut of Kevin Kuranyi in Dynamo. In other aspects Muscovites are stronger than Samara.

Spartak vs. CSKA

Expert predictions: 0:1 Of course the current CSKA is not much stronger than Spartak as it used to be some time ago but nevertheless the class of the Army men is higher. What can Spartak oppose? Only desire and fight. But there are not many fighters among the Red-White squad at the moment.

Sport press predictions: 3:1 The quantity of missed opportunities is so great in Spartak that according to a mathematical law the converting percentage should rise. Moreover Spartak seemed to have found their game while CSKA dozed off in the abnormally hot Moscow.

Lokomotiv vs. Rostov

Expert predictions: 2:0 Lokomotiv has many problems in away matches but in Moscow they play nicely and effectively. Rostov simply has nothing to oppose to the Railway men.

Sport press predictions: 2:1 Lokomotiv should retain its minimum after the break – two scored goals. But Rostov will also see a consolation goal.

Tom vs. Sibir

Expert predictions: 0:0 The teams are absolutely equal. Maybe Tom is more experienced but Sibir showed its character recently and it can do it in Tomsk as well.

Sport press predictions: 3:2 Tom should do well in the match with one of the outsiders. But Sibir usually does not end up goalless.


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MOSCOW DERBY HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY PROGRAM

On Sunday, Luzhniki is the stage for the great Moscow derby between Spartak and CSKA with both sides needing to find their winning form after disappointing last week.


Spartak Moscow - CSKA Moscow

Valeriy Karpin’s side was held by Krylya Sovetov to a scoreless draw with the Zhano Ananidze led attack, lacking finishing power. Spartak’s season is limping through some difficult times and will greater resolve going forward, presumably with Alex to return in spearheading the attack.

Leonid Slutsky CSKA’s line-up lacked a cutting side against Nalchik last week and consistently out worked. CSKA face a number of personnel issues with young striker Guilherme returning to Dynamo Kyiv after the clubs were unable to reach an agreement. To add to CSKA’s problems, Keisuke Honda is rumoured to be out of favour with the manager, hence why he was left out of last week’s starting grid and Miloš Krasić, desperate for a move to Juventus, has shown little recent play.

Lokomotiv Moscow – Rostov

Yuriy Semin’s Railwaymen looked to be in route to an away victory before Sibir Novosibirsk staged a stunning second half comeback. Oleksandr Aliyev continues to dominate with his thunderous boot but Lokomotiv will need to show greater defending composure than last week. Maicon and Dmitriy Sychev have the makings of a solid attacking duo with Wágner supplying his playmaking vision. Rostov manager Oleh Protasov has his side within striking distance of a European spot but faces a massive challenge in Lokomotiv home grounds where their hosts has lost only once since Yuriy Semin’s return in May 2009.

Tom Tomsk – Sibir Novosibirsk

On Monday, action in week fifteen concludes with a Siberian derby as Tom Tomsk welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Valeriy Nepomnyaschy’s Tomsk has faltered since the break with off with three consecutive losses since the break and lacking in the defending end. Sibir were triumphant in the Europa League.

Manager Igor Kriushenko has a tough series of selection decision we with the second leg of their tie against Apollon on Thursday, they may be forced into changes.

Prepared by John Davies

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PREMIER LEAGUE DAY 15 KICKS OFF TODAY

Premier League Matchday 15 kicks off today with Anzhi traveling to Moscow region and Spartak Nalchik welcoming Amkar.


Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast - Anzhi Makhachkala

On Friday, the action kicks off as Andrey Gordeev's Ramenskoe based side welcome Anzhi Makhachkala after lodging two consecutive wins have climbed out the relegation zone. Lead by an inspired effort by veterans Dmitriy Kirichenko and Denis Boyarintsev, Saturn which looked set for the drop have turned the campaign around.

Veteran leader Gadzhi Gadzhiev has Anzhi running on all cylinders, claiming three consecutive win including last weeks against Terek Grozny that came via David Tsorayev’s last winner.

Spartak Nalchik - Amkar Perm

Rashid Rakhimov’s Amkar Perm was edged by Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast via an early goal by Denis Boyarintsev but otherwise the Red-Black’s showed quality intent. In the latter stages, Amkar's Vitaliy Grishin narrowly missed scoring the leveller as his effort from just outside the area drifted a whisper wide of the right post.

Nalchik shocked CSKA last week, throwing the championship race completely into Zenit’s hands. Yuriy Krasnozhan has a full side available including Dmitriy Belorukov, who returns from suspension.

Prepared by John Davies

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SLUTSKY EYES SUNDAY DERBY AGAINST SPARTAK

CSKA manager Leonid Slutsky shares his point of view on the coming Moscow derby between his team and Spartak, which will be held at Luzhniki stadium on Sunday.


"Sometimes I think that beating Spartak is the most significant thing for CSKA fans and that would agree on dropout of Premier League even easier than on losing to our most uncompromising competitors", Slutsky said.

"Our acquisitions have been planed long time ago. We signed Doumbia in winter so we perfectly knew that he would join our squad".

"Transfer work is always in progress, however there are no players, who are close to signing contracts with us. I count on services of those players who took part in our trainings and Vagner Love is one of them".

"In his case everything depends on emotional background of the match. If the game is favourable for us, it can give Vagner Love additional strength".

"It’s hard to assess his current form, because I haven’t worked with him before and I have nothing to compare with. Our tests show that he is 70-80% ready now".

"Honda looked not well in the match in Samara, and tests showed that he hadn’t fully recovered from the World Cup and we decided to give him a break and prepare the player for the big game with Spartak. That is why Honda missed our clash with Spartak Nalchik".

"In general World Cup participants were exhausted, because this tournament requires their physical strength and energy and it definitely tells on players’ form".

"The World Championship ended some time ago, but it’s evident that players, who took part in it, haven’t restored their best conditions".

"On Sunday we will play a special game, which is very important for both sides. Besides it is the most significant derby of our country, teams will need to earn points".

"I came up against Spartak when I worked in different teams, won four matches and lost one game in nine meetings. Of course I would be glad to improve my personal statistics, but I understand that previous successes don’t guarantee positive results in future".

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BOZOVIC: THERE IS NOTHING BAD IN OUR LOSS

Dynamo head coach Miodrag Bozovic is not going to make a tragedy out of his team’s loss to Rubin.

"It was only our blame for the first conceded goal, and in this case it’s hard to talk about painful loss", Bozovic said. " Nevertheless I have no claims to my players, because they were fighting on the field".

"As for the episode with non-awarded penalty shot for challenge of Kokorin, it’s hard to say whether it was right decision or not. Maybe it will be difficult to see on the videotape whether the opponent violated the rules, while the referee has to make decisions immediately, so I don’t blame him".

"Rubin was weakened by several selection problems since Bukharov moved to Zenit, Noboa was suspended and several other players were inured, but even taking into account these losses Kazan side has many other strong players".

"Sibaya played instead of Noboa, and I think there is no significant difference between them. One of them is more focused on defence, while the other is concentrated on attack, but they are both real professionals. To my mind Semak is one of the best players in Russia. We also had some troubles, which are not important at all now".

"I had only one striker for this match – Kokorin, because Voronin is out with a slight injury. However I don’t regret that we loaned Smolov to Feyenoord, as he had a lot of chances to show himself and be with the team. Anyway I think that absence of strikers is not the main reason of our defeat".

"I liked the first half of this match, since we controlled the game before the break. I don’t know why we failed the opening 10-15 minutes of the second half".

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ZENIT REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH WIN OVER ROSTOV

Week fourteen of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia commenced on Saturday with Zenit Saint Petersburg extended its unbeaten form, laying further pressure on the field to stay abreast of their charge.


Alaniya Vladikavkaz - Tom Tomsk 2:1

The weekend got underway with Alaniya Vladikavkaz coming from the behind to defeat visiting Tom Tomsk 2-1.

Following their disheartening loss to Lokomotiv Moscow, Vladimir Shevchuk made four changes to his Alaniya line-up, bringing in Yuriy Kirillov, former CSKA Sofia-man Ivan Stoyanov, Boris Rotenberg and Ibrahim Gnanou. Valeriy Nepomnyaschy, who saw his side run roughshod by Anzhi last week, moved Artyom Dzyuba to the bench and brought in Georgiy Dzhioev and Kim Nam-Ilas he went with Belarusian international Sergey Kornilenko as the lone striker up top.

The match began with a well-disciplined start as neither side wanted to give up too much space. A morsel shy of the quarter-hour, Tomsk drew first blood as Ibrahim Gnanou brought down by Sergey Kornilenko as the striker surged into the area on the left channel, resulting in match day referee Maxim Layushkin adjudging a penalty. The Belarusian striker calmly stepped up and drilled the ball into the back of the net to give Tomsk the 1-0 lead.

After the restart, Alaniya began to probe with greater effectiveness and at the fifty-ninth minute Alexandr Marenich latched onto a long ball before surging into the area on the left channel and rocketing his effort in from twelve metres. Within two minutes, Valeriy Nepomnyaschy summoned Artyom Dzyuba into the Tomsk line-up with Andrey Ivanov coming shortly thereafter but with twenty minutes remaining, Alaniya notched the winning goal as Ibrahim Gnanou heading in a corner from the right. The balance of the contest was completely in Alaniya's favour as they laid claim to the full three points with a 2-1 victory.

Rostov - Zenit Saint Petersburg 1:3

Top to the table Zenit Saint Petersburg continued its recent upsurge with an assuring 3-1 victory over host Rostov.

The Italian tactician, ahead his sides opening Champions League qualifier against Romania's Unirea Urziceni on Tuesday, made four changes to his most recent lineup. Former FC Moscow man Yuriy Zhevnov made his first start in a league match for Zenit as Vyacheslav Malafeev away tending to personal matters, along with Viktor Faitzulin, Fernando Meira and Alessandro Rosina.

Behind the support of their voracious supporters, Oleh Protasov's side, after an early advance by Zenit, began to press forward with Alexandru Gaţcan testing Yuriy Zhevnov from the edge of the area. Rostov was holding Zenit back but just before the break, Alessandro Rosina surged down the right channel and sent a cross to the back-post as he approached the dead-ball line that Alexandr Kerzhakov turned in for the 1-0 lead.

At the re-start, Oleh Protasov ushered Alexandr Pavlenko in for Dmitriy Akimov but only five minutes in Zenit extended the lead when Danny latched on the long ball before scoring from the edge of the area. Zenit continued their onslaught and with twenty minutes remaining, went in front 3-0 as Danny, via a flanking long ball on the left, cross for Viktor Faitzulin who scored his first goal of the campaign from ten metres. As time ticked down, match day referee Alexandr Kolobaev assessing a penalty when Alexandr Anyukov brought down Igor Lebedenko was brought down in the area. In the ensuing effort, Igor Lebedenko drove the ball to the bottom right corner for the consolation marker, with Zenit Saint Petersburg claiming the 3-1 victory.

Rubin Kazan - Dynamo Moscow 2:0

Rubin Kazan maintained pace with league leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg with a 2-0 victory over visiting Dynamo Moscow, in a match that marked the debut the White-Blues highly promising young attacker Irakli Logua.

Kurban Berdyev’s Rubin Kazan side, awaiting the debut of former Newcastle striker Oba Martin's and without Alexandr Bukharov for the first time since his move to Zenit, summoned Petr Bystrov, Macbeth Sibaya and Rafal Murawski into the starting eleven. Miodrag Božović adjusted his Dynamo line-up with Alexandr Kokorin coming in for Andriy Voronin who suffered an injury in pre-match warm-up and Aleksey Rebko. After a quiet opening half whether neither side able to post a noteworthy effort, Rubin took the lead five minutes shy of the hour as on fast counter Alan Kasaev surged into the right side of the area before sending the ball into the roof of the net from six metres out. Only nine minutes later, the goal scorer added his second of the evening as he surged worked his way off the left flank, out manoeuvring three Dynamo defenders before sending a booming effort from just outside the area into the back of the net. With twenty-one minutes remaining, Miodrag Božović introduced attacker Irakli Logua in for his debut of the top flight and though the teen phenom did not have an impact, he is name to watch in the future. Through the balance of time, Rubin limited Dynamo's advances, in route to a 2-0 victory.

Prepared by John Davies for Sport Express

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ARSHAVIN: I MISS TRAININGS

The Russian forward of Arsenal Andrey Arshavin who is at the moment in Austria with his team at the training camp spoke about the preparation to the coming season.


"It is the first so long a holiday in my career – almost two months but for several days," said the forward. "Sometimes I had a month and a half but not more."

"My spirits are high – I had wonderful holidays and really miss football and even trainings."

"The preparation for the season is almost identical to the one of the previous year and on its every day there is a certain schedule."

"The difference comparing to the previous season is that there are players who took part in the World Cup – they are returning to the team later and their schedule is corrected due to this."

"Comparing the English and Russian off-seasons there are no much difference. Maybe because for the last years in Russia I used to work with foreign coaches. The exercises are different but the essence is the same. Only the duration is different – in Russia pre-season is quite longer."

"In Austria we had two friendly matches but there were no specific tasks for the game. The head coach Arsene Wenger formulated the goal in the following way: “You will feel your legs tired but you will recall what football is like.”


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TIKHONOV DEFENDS KARPIN

The midfielder of Khimki Andrey Tikhonov eyes the situation in Spartak Moscow, his former club.


"Karpin is not to blame," thinks Tikhonov. "I assume that such a wonderful player cannot bring in anything negative to the team only positive."

"Karpin must remain in the club. And those are guilty who enter the field. I cannot comment whether Spartak needs new players but I am sure Karpin should work on."

"It is for the coach to decide but if a goalkeeper goofs regularly it is time to draw conclusions."

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KOLODIN EYES THE CLASH AGAINST RUBIN

The defender of Dynamo Moscow and the Russian national team Denis Kolodin eyes the Saturday fixture against Rubin Kazan.


"Personally for me Rubin was a convenient opponent," said Kolodin. "Uralan and Krylya Sovetov never lost to Rubin when I was playing in these clubs. And Dynamo also won at first. But than the situation changed drastically."

"I think that we should play defensively to make it more difficult for Rubin to counterattack. And we usually rolled the ball too much. Romantic football against Rubin is ineffective."


It matters more when there's money on it!

BILYALETDINOV: 40 THOUSAND PEOPLE FOR FRIENDLIES

The midfielder of Everton and the Russian national team Diniyar Bilyaletdinov commented on the preparation for the season in England.


"I am happy with my holidays," said the player. "It was very good, I have rested wonderfully."

"And then I turned to work with new strength leaving for Australia at first. Such a tour was very interesting. Of course in Australia there is no such big interest to football as for example to rugby but people welcomed us."

"Moreover in Everton plays the best footballer of the Green continent – Tim Cahill. That caused that for the friendly matches we gathered about forty thousand people."

"Moreover there were many additional events and meetings with our supporters. It turned out that there is our fan club founded in 2002 that include a lot of people. So the frenzy was surprisingly great."

"We won all three trial matches and of course any victory improves one’s mood. Though obviously these victories were of no key importance."

"Out of the participants of the World Cup only Cahill is with us. All others have joined the team only today and finalist Heitinga is still having rest."

"It was my first visit to Australia. And it is a very interesting country and there are many things one should see there. Firstly it is their nature that people treat reverently. Especially well I remember exotic animals. Secondly these are achievements of civilization in particular wide range of sports objects."


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SPARTAK VS. RUBIN SHOWDOWN HIGHLIGHT OF WEEK 13 IN RPL

As play heads into week thirteen of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia, Zenit Saint Petersburg is quickly running away from the pack and on the verge of turning the race for a charge for second place. However, this weekend the key match is unquestionably Rubin Kazan’s visit to the capital to face Spartak, with the Krasno-belye’s season slowly slipping away.


Saturday

Zenit St Petersburg - Sibir Novosibirsk

The Petrovsky faithful welcome their heroes after their complete domination of Alaniya Vladikavkaz last week. Though Zenit has went through a long period of adaptation to manager Luciano Spalletti's system, against Alaniya they finally found their top gear and were unstoppable. With Serbian international Danko Lazović back in the fold the pace of the Zenit attack is capable of overrunning the competition and its difficult to foresee a stumble.

Sibir manager Igor Kriushenko has seen his side show a superb fighting spirit in their fight to avoid relegation, typified by last weeks 2-2 draw against Dynamo. Lead by veteran sniper Aleksey Medvedev and some impressive play by Aleksandr Antipenko, Sibir has shown a good counter attacking impetus but against Zenit, they will look to button down the proceedings with a compact defending approach though they will be without Dmitriy Molosh due to suspension.

Dynamo Moscow - Rostov

The White-Blues welcome Rostov to Arena Khimki after last weeks highly disappointing draw with Sibir. Manager Miodrag Božović waits for the arrival of new signings Kevin Kurányi and Marko Lomić but still there are many unanswered questions of his sides extraordinary under performance. Dynamo is rife with talent, including brilliant young striker Alexandr Kokorin, but are playing without confidence.

On the opposite end of the perspective is Rostov who shocked Spartak Moscow last week with a 1-0 victory. Rostov manager Oleg Protasov deployed an air tight tactical play that frustrated the Krasno-belye. Riding a two-match winning streak, Rostov enjoys a lofty position at fifth in the table and though they will be without Alexandru Gaţcan, due to suspension, are playing with confidence and discipline.

Spartak Moscow - Rubin Kazan

Spartak Moscow is in dire need of a win as they welcome defending champion Rubin Kazan to the capital. After consecutive losses to Alaniya Vladikavkaz and Rostov in league play, Spartak had to work hard to get past Metallurg Lipetsk midweek in the Russian Cup. With pressure building on Krasno-belye manager Valeriy Karpin needs his side to play to their promise but of late, intensity has been lacking. Spartak has seen Ivan Saenko and Sergey Parshivlyuk standout but otherwise the attack is lacking. Nikita Bazhenov looked promising in his return in the Russian Cup and could jump into the starting grid as Welliton after being carried off with an injury.

Kurban Berdyev’s Rubin Kazan responded from their modest performances of the first half of the campaign with a solid victory over Krylya Sovetov last week. With Alan Kasaev, Evgeniy Balyaykin and Gökdeniz Karadeniz back in the line-up, Rubin's attack picked up pace but the defending champion will need to reverse their recent trend of faltering against Spartak in the capital.

Sunday

Tom Tomsk - Anzhi Makhachkala

On Sunday, the action starts with Tom Tomsk welcoming Anzhi Makhachkala to Siberia after last week’s late loss to Amkar Perm. Valeriy Nepomnyaschy’s side have had issues at home but he kept much of his normal starting line-up out of the Russian Cup match against Krasnodar and they should be well rested. He will however be without Andrey Ivanov, who is suspended due to card build-up.

Without a win since week five, Anzhi is within two points of the drop zone and finding their once promising attack with Jan Holenda. Former CSKA Sofia man Todor Timonov scored twice in their mid-week Russian Cup over Pskov-747 Pskov and could easily find himself in Gadzhi Gadzhiev's starting eleven.

Terek Grozny - Amkar Perm

Grozny opened the second half of the campaign with a lethargic loss to Spartak Nalchik. With the services of playmaker Blagoy Georgiev, Anatoliy Baidachny’s side lacked the same attacking vision and it is difficult to see where that will come from in his absence.

Rashid Rakhimov Amkar Perm shocked Tom Tomsk last week as Alexandr Kolomeytsev scored his first goal in the top flight of Russian football as time wound down. Amkar continues to fight their way from relegation with a resourceful approach, though they are short on the attacking end. The Amkar tactician is Mitar Novaković due to suspension.

Lokomotiv Moscow - Alaniya Vladikavkaz

Despite lacking in the striking department, Yuriy Semin has quietly squeezed his side to sixth place and looking very capable of a run towards a spot in Europe. The Railwayman welcomed Wágner and Rodolfo back in last weeks win against Anzhi and with Marko Baša returning the Russian Cup, they appear primed for a run towards the finish. Lokomotiv is without Tomislav Dujmović due to suspension.

Alaniya gets back into action after Zenit ran them off the pitch last week. With only one win away from home this year, Vladimir Shevchuk's forces face a tough test in the Lokomotiv fortress. Alaniya's efforts will be without Valeriy Tskhovrebov who is suspended.

Monday

Krylya Sovetov - CSKA Moscow

CSKA head to Samara to face relegation threatened Krylya Sovetov. After being held to a disappointing draw against Saturn, Leonid Slutsky's side got past Torpedo Moscow in the Russian Cup with Guilherme scoring twice. Deividas Semberas is unavailable due to suspension and the CSKA tactician has a series of unusual line-up choices to make with Miloš Krasić seemingly on his way out but has been sub-par recently. Many questions remain around the Army-Men camp as they must deal with the arrivals of Zoran Tošić and Seydou Doumbia along with the surprising return of Vágner Love.

Yuriy Gazzaev's side is in the midst of the three-match losing streak and will need to bolt down this contest. Surrendering twenty-one goals, the Samaran's are one of the worst defending units in the league and need play with more disciplined defending if they are to survive in the top flight.

Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast - Spartak Nalchik

Andrey Gordeev's Ramenskoe based side shocked CSKA last week with a hard fought draw in their effort to avoid relegation. Following the match Army-Men manager Leonid Slutsky noted Saturn is far above their bottom of the table placing. Despite some compliments, Saturn needs to score and without Dmitriy Loskov who was not resigned. Saturn needed a penalty shoot-out to get past Sakhalin Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the Russian Cup but should be well rested by Monday.

Yuriy Krasnozhan's Nalchik confidently dispatched Terek Grozny last week but they are without Gogita Gogua and Miodrag Džudović, both under suspension. Sitting fourth in the table, if they are to make a run for a European spot, this it the type of contest they need full points from.

Prepared by John Davies

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

KARPIN: VICTORIES ALWAYS HELP RAISE SPIRITS

The head coach of Spartak Valeriy Karpin shows optimism before the must-win game against Rubin this weekend.


After the break in the Russian Premier League Spartak had two matches – one it sensationally lost to Rostov and then outplayed Metallurg Lipetsk in the Russian Cup.

"Out of the two matches I liked the one in Rostov-na-Donu best," said Karpin. "Despite the loss there were more movements and idea there."

"Probably that is because on Friday we entered the filed at nine in the evening – in the heat but not in the full blaze of sun. And in Lipetsk we played at 7 p.m. exactly in a sunny spot."

"I liked the way the players performed in the match of the Russian Cup. Not all of them have chances to appear in the starting eleven often. But all of them tried their best."

"The mood of the team improved a bit after the victory in Lipetsk: any victory helps no matter who your opponent is."

"But how effective was this medicine we will see on Saturday. Moreover the players were dejected with the result but not with the feeling that somebody did something wrong. The guys did their best but failed to achieve result."

"Any coach should be ready to such state of affairs when he is about to be sacked and supporters are indignant. You simply live with this – it is a specific feature of my job."

"As for the reaction of the stands I take it for granted: if people are not satisfied with the results you always get criticized. This is typical all worldwide: the greater the status of a club the stronger the views of supporters are."


... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

PROTASOV EYES CLASH WITH DYNAMO

The head coach of Rostov Oleg Protasov eyes the start of the RPL after the summer break.


"I do not want to make big conclusions after two good matches," said Protasov meaning victories over Spartak Moscow and Salyut Belgorod.

"Though of course we did our best during the summer break: worked on physique, played good sparrings. And now it is important not to slow down the pace."

"Our next opponent is Dynamo – a strong team with very good midfield: Khokhlov, Semshov, Samedov. Moreover they have a new head coach and I think he will rush his team forward."

WELLITON TO MISS THE MATCH AGAINST RUBIN

The 23-year old forward of Spartak Moscow Welliton will not take part in the coming match of the Russian Championship against Rubin.


The striker has undergone the medical yesterday concerning the leg injury he acquired in the match of the Russian Cup Round of 32 against Metallurg Lipetsk.

"The Brazilian has the injury of ankle ligaments," commented the head coach of the Red-Whites Valeriy Karpin. "And he cannot appear on the pitch these weekends if there is no miracle."

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

GAZPROMNEFT TO SPONSOR CRVENA ZVEZDA

Yesterday the Serbian mass media announced that Gazprom, main owner of Zenit, namely its biggest subsidiary Gazpromneft, became a sponsor of one of the leading clubs of the Balkan country Crvena Zvezda.


"It is true that Gazpromneft signed a five-year contract about the general sponsorship with one of the leading Serbian clubs," said the CEO of Gazpromneft and President of FC Zenit Alexandr Dyukov.

"Crvena Zvezda is obviously the most popular team in its country and in other teams of former Yugoslavia."

"Why we chose Serbia? It is quite clear. Last year Gazpromneft bought the majority stake of the company Naftna Industrija Srbije and became the biggest investor in this country at the moment. We think that being sponsor of such a famous club as Crvena Zvezda will be very effective while promoting our brands in the region."

"Moreover one should not forget that Gazprom is carrying out the project South Stream in the region and Serbia plays important part in it."
... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

NALCHIK LOOKS TO REGAIN WINNING STRIDE AGAINST GROZNY

With the extended break for the World Cup nearing an end, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia kicks back into gear with Terek Grozny visiting the Caucasus' to face Spartak Nalchik.

The start of the campaign saw Nalchik storm forward unbeaten in their opening eight matches before Yuri Krasnozhan's side stumbled in the final three confidence. Up until week eight, Nalchik played with confidence and discipline but against Zenit Saint Petersburg, they came undone and gave up three goals in the final half-hour.

The collapse against seemed to trigger a change of fortune for Nalchik as they were unconvincing against Lokomotiv and Tom Tomsk in subsequent contests and lacked confidence. Sitting fourth in the table, Yuri Krasnozhan must reinvigorate his side to show the same tireless defending that gutted out results and unlock the attacking front, led by Vladimir Dyadyun, which lost their touch late.

The Chechnya based side, though tenth in the table are in a state of transition and quickly amassing quality players. Anatoly Baidachny's side, led going forward with play maker Blagoy Georgiev and striking tandem Shamil Asildarov and Héctor Bracamonte have yet to hit full stride but very capable of a run towards a spot in Europe.

Maurício, who joined from Brazil's Fluminense this past winter and Bolivian international Juan Carlos Arce provide plenty of pace and inspiration as Grozny looks to hone its attack that, at least in theory, is a consistent threat. Grozny is hampered against Nalchik, as they are without the services of key man Blagoy Georgiev to injury as well Sergey Omelyanchuk to suspension and facing a side that has yet to lose at home this year.


Prepared by John Davies

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

LOKOMOTIV SIGNED SHISHKIN

Yesterday Lokomotiv signed a contract with Spartak defender Roman Shishkin.


The Railway club has signed the 23-year-old player for three and a half years with an opportunity to annul agreement at the end of the year.

"Our negotiations were not very long", Lokomotiv president Nikolay Naumov said. "We wanted to loan Shishkin, while Spartak offered us to buy him and we agreed".

"We don’t know exactly how he will play and we decided to sign him on 0,5+3 year system. If he doesn’t establish in the team in half of a year we will part with him, but if everything is all right we will continue our cooperation".

"Lokomotiv was the best variant for me and I didn’t want to leave Moscow", Shishkin commented on his move. "I will miss time which I spent in Spartak. I began my career in this club and it’s a pity that I have to leave it. Moreover I have a lot of friends there".

SPAIN LOOKS TO DERAIL GERMAN YOUTH

Prior to the World Cup, few gave Joachim Löw a chance of pulling his injury-ravaged side together for a serious run at the top stop. While the youthful talent came into the tournament unproven, as Die Nationalmannschaft go up against mighty Spain in the Durban for the right to meet the Netherlands in the final, they have become the poster-boy for national development programs.


Twenty years in the making, Germany put the plan in the place that is now coming to volition. Their youthful side, led by the heir apparent Thomas Müller, have shown passion and guile, mixed tactically to perfection. While the billing suggests a rematch of the Euro 2008 that saw La Furia Roja triumphant, Germany is riding a wave of bold, brash youthful optimism

Historically the media has pinned sterile phrases on German sides, portraying a steely-eyed vision that seems stuck in history books and far from the present day. The present day German machine is built of the sleekest style’s but with hearty dashes of cunning play making and a young striker chiselling his name into the game in a hurry. Watching Germany dispatch Argentina, the question was not whether they would but by how much.

Gushing with pride, legend Franz Beckenbauer noted, “Germany have never played like this before,” as the flourishing side has shown a new found attacking panache born from a generation of developmental work. Though Mr. Löw misses Thomas Müller to injury he is stacked with talent including Hamburg’s Piotr Trochowski, Toni Kroos of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart sniper Cacau. Beyond the one forced chance, Germany is unlikely to adjust their line-up with Miroslav Klose revitalized in a scoring spree and Lukas Podolski once again proving how he rises to the challenges of international competition.

For Spain, it has been a perplexing tournament that despite being in the semi-finals they have rarely looking in top form. While few doubt their ability, good fortune saw them advance out of the group stage after falling to Switzerland to the opening match and if had not been for the Nati’s undoing with a question call, they might have suffered the same fate and France and Italy.

Against Portugal and Paraguay the elegant passing game of Vicente del Bosque’s side has been snuffed out by disciplined defending with only the foot of David Villa able to finish. Spain was sputtering against Paraguay until the Spaniard tactician pulled misfiring Fernando Torres but will need the Liverpool striker to find his finishing touch if they are to carve a victory. Spain’s only absence is likely Cesc Fàbregas who is doubtful after suffering an injury in training.

With both sides having a near full cupboard, this will prove to be superb tactical battle as both sides know the other well in a match of flourishing ability of today and Germany’s highly promising future.


Prepared by John Davies

ROSTOV TO SIGN ANGELOV

Rostov has agreed to acquire Bulgarian midfielder Stanislav Angelov.


The 32-year-old Angelov made his debut in his national team in 2006, made 30 appearances and netted two goals. His contract with his previous club Energie expired in June.

"My agent is acquainted with Alexandr Shikunov [Rostov sporting director], who offered me to continue my career in Rostov", Angelov told sport press. "Steaua was also interested in me, but I chose Russia".

"A lot of my compatriots play in the Russian championship and they like playing there. Moreover this championship is popular in Europe, that is important for me since I play in the national team".

"My contract will be signed for one year and a half, and when I get working permission, it will be immediately signed".

LOSKOV LEAVES SATURN

Saturn management decided not to extend contract with midfielder Dmitriy Loskov.


Previous agreement of the 36-year-old Loskov with Saturn expired when the team returned to Moscow from a training camp in Austria, and Moscow region club decided not to extend it. Loskov made 53 appearances and scored seven goals during three seasons in Saturn.

"We won’t extend our agreement", Saturn head coach Andrey Gordeev said to sport press. "We want to thank the player for the time which he spent in our team and his attitude to his work".

"Term of my contract has expired and having discussed it we decided not to sign a new one", Loskov explained. "I have nothing to say more, and my future is not clear yet".

LOMIC TO START TRAINING WITH DYNAMO ON FRIDAY

Several hours after Serbia’s Marko Lomic signed a three-year contract with Dynamo, the Moscow club’s newcomer answered sport press questions.


"First of all I would like to thank Dynamo management for a chance to play in this great club", the 26-year-old said. "I will do my best to gain my peak form as soon as possible and justify people’s expectations".

"When I found out about Dynamo’s interest in my candidature, I talked to Milos Krasic and Marko Basa, who told me a lot of good things about this club. Besides the Russian team Lazio also expressed their interest in my services, so my friends’ recommendations played decisive role in my decision".

"I will need to return to Belgrade for a couple of days on Tuesday, because on Friday I will begin training with Dynamo. To my mind I will need two weeks to gain good form, and maybe I will be able to play in a friendly match with Monaco on 28 July".